Project "Frank" - The Un-Gaying of a 110

[Wolf Fabrication]

Welcome to my 110 thread. I have not done very well at documenting the progress of my truck, but I might as well start somewhere.

I bought the truck on Ebay sight unseen except for a about 30 photos and talking to the owner/importer (a member of this board). I flew down to Wilmington, NC to pick it up and almost walked away from the deal after seeing the truck. Despite the pics, the truck needed some love. It's saving grace was that the frame and body is SOLID, but the doors were RUSTED. The truck has a Disco 200tdi drivetrain, including the LT77 tranny. The only bonus there was rear discs, but that's about it. Also, the truck had a lot of gay stuff on it, to include a hood scoop, and some Fast and Furious stickers, oh, and tube steps.

Why did I name the truck Frank? Short for Frankenstein. The truck is titled as an '82 109, but has a 110 body and dash, with Disco drivetrain.

My plan? Waste an immediate $10k in a complete mechanical and functional facelift.

I took aim at the easy stuff:
1. The hood scoop is gone, and I covered the hole in the hood with some 5-bar plate
2. The tires and rims are gone, in favor of my favorite D90 freestyle rims and BFG Mud T/As in 255/85R16s
3. Installed an AB swing away tire carrier - this is better than the Mantec. It's like the stock D90 ST carrier, but is galvanized and powder coated and has a Hi-Lift mount ($450)
4. All rear garbage is gone - bumperetters, hitch, etc.
5. Rear seats and front seats gone. Picked up some newer D90 front seats.
6. Remove front bumper.
7. Burn all the gay Fast and Furious stickers

Follow-up Post:

So what's next (ie, where the &%^&#*%! did $10k go?)

1. I've gutted the interior so I can spray bedliner on the entire inside.
2. Re-install all the seats
3. Install new Tuffy center console and rear speaker boxes, with new stereo and speakers
4. Install Safety Devices full exo cage
5. Install sliders
6. Mechanical overhaul of the 200tdi (timing belt, seals, gaskets, filters, thermostat, etc)
7. Install Equip competition hi-angle winch bumper
8. Install Superwinch 10k winch
9. Install new shocks
10. Install Wolf Fab Stealth 110 roof rack
11. Install new VDO guages (EGT, Temp)
12. Replace all fluids
13. Install Equip front steering skid
14. Armor tie rods and drag link
15. Fabricate rear gas tank skid plate
16. Install new front doors

[bjf]

How much will you have into the truck? It is cool but why didnt you just get a legal import?

[Wolf Fabrication]

It is a legal import - it came over in Sept 09. Plus I didn't want to buy an overseas truck sight unseen. I was working with a few exporters, but they wanted close to $30k for a 300tdi stock truck. This truck will be close to $28k when I am done with it.

[bjf]

that is cool but why is titled as a 109?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Because the title and serial number plate say it's an '82 109. :)

[bjf]

Did you need spacers for wheels?

[Wolf Fabrication]

I sure did. Installed 1.5" spacers. The stock studs are a little short, so I need to need to figure out how to get longer ones. The ones I have now look to be welded in place.

[130Tdi]

did you ever find the VIN on the frame or is it ground/sanded off ? Your truck was the subject of conversation @ Jays. Was looking forward to seeing it.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yeah, I'll bring it to HH next time. Frankly, I'm embarrassed at it's current state. I should be done with it by next week. I have not checked the frame VIN yet.

[cgalpin]

You know being gay isn't a learned/acquired behavior right? Frank's always going to be gay bro. Sorry...

[Wolf Fabrication]

You know being gay isn't a learned/acquired behavior right? Frank's always going to be gay bro. Sorry...

NO! A vehicle can be trained to be un-gay. It just has to hang around other straigt Rovers, in which case it is going to stay far away from your flamboyantly gay red 110 with yellow doors.
:)

[evilfij]

It is a good thing you brought the durango to see my rovers. They are seriously gay.

Ron

[cgalpin]

it is going to stay far away from your flamboyantly gay red 110 with yellow doors.
:)

Janey is female so point made!

;)

[Wolf Fabrication]

Janey is female so point made!

Okay, so butch lesbian gay.

[cgalpin]

Just because she runs rings around the boy trucks doesn't make her gay. Ok enough of a hijack. Looking forward to seeing Frank dressed up the way daddy likes him (IE so he looks straight to those that can't tell he's flaming).

[Wolf Fabrication]

It's called Metrosexual by the way

[cgalpin]

Just in case anyone thinks I am serious

1. There is nothing wring with being gay IMO, nor gay rovers (or owners)
2. I don't think your truck looked gay before or after you got your grubby little paws on it

:grin

[woldd90]

My question is, Jonathan if you thought the truck was gay, why did you buy it? Did it whisper softly to you? Daddy's car never loved you? Fulfilling a need?

Sorry, just adding to the fray.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Sadly, I think I have perpetuated the "my truck is gay rumor." My truck is not gay, I promise.

[dave_lucas]

Sooo.... Wolf

Now I know why that box with Rover parts you sent me had hearts on it...

Your 110 is trying to hook up with my 90 on the DL

[Wolf Fabrication]

LOL. That was my 3 year old son!

[KKilo23]

Other than the obvious, looks like a sick truck. I have always loved black 110s, I look forward to seeing it on the trail one day... good luck with the "un-gaying" !

[michaels]

very nice. but i'd get rid of the shovel on the back.

[Wolf Fabrication]

very nice. but i'd get rid of the shovel on the back.

I assume you mean the hitch, yes, it's long gone.

[GYM]

Does the black VA lic plate say "Antique Vehicle"? Is that its real plate?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yup, real plate, it's over 25 years old. No safety or emissions inspections either!

[bjf]

Does Frank drive like poo? I find my 93 110 to be garbage compared to the 90

[130Tdi]

Does Frank drive like poo? I find my 93 110 to be garbage compared to the 90
Shouldn't feel that way, should be the opposite. My NAS 90 SW with 36k beat me to death. 3 hrs was about as long as I could stay behind the wheel on a road trip (plus thats about how long it would go on a tank of fuel). My 110 on the other hand was comfortable for 6hrs straight with no stops. Both trucks had 33's. Wheelbase makes a huge difference in ride quality.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Does Frank drive like poo? I find my 93 110 to be garbage compared to the 90

Hmm, it's all relative. I can't speak for my 110, as the 360 miles I drove in it was with 35s and non-adjustable series front seats. But the ride was not too bad. I loved the way the 90 handled and drove, but I never drove it farther than 80 miles. I trailered it any distance longer than that just because I could. So in essence, I am not qualified to comment on distance driving in either!
:)

[bjf]

I should correct my statement
90 - much faster and better brakes.

[bharris]

Does Frank drive like poo? I find my 93 110 to be garbage compared to the 90see now you need to just give me that 110 since it's a poo truck ;)

[bjf]

since 110 or mine? Hey I like the 110. I drive it every day.

[specops1526]

If you're gay for your car, make sure you catch this show on BBC america, it may help:

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/292/my-car-is-my-lover.jsp

[Wolf Fabrication]

Finished gutting the interior and got it lined with Herculiner. Love it or hate it, I love the stuff and this in my 5th truck I've used it on, all with good results. I still have one more coat to go.

The other thing I tackled was cutting off the LT77 shifter and welding on a better bend so that it doesn't come up through the center of the seat box. This is a great reference photo on why not to install a Disco tranny!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the SD cage installed over the past few days. What a kick in the balls. The instructions for the kit SUCK! 4 pages with a few photos for a kit that contains literally 30 pieces and 300 pieces of hardware of all shapes and sizes. The installation leaves a lot to the imagination.

Also bolted up the sliders, but I still need to add some tubes to the outside like the SG sliders.

[KKilo23]

Got the SD cage installed over the past few days. What a kick in the balls. The instructions for the kit SUCK! 4 pages with a few photos for a kit that contains literally 30 pieces and 300 pieces of hardware of all shapes and sizes. The installation leaves a lot to the imagination.

Also bolted up the sliders, but I still need to add some tubes to the outside like the SG sliders.


Looks great! I assume your going to build a rack for it??

[woldd90]

That looks great... Much less Gay! Not that there is anything wrong with that!

Does it come with a ladder or the tabs to install a NAS basket?

[Wolf Fabrication]

That looks great... Much less Gay! Not that there is anything wrong with that!

Does it come with a ladder or the tabs to install a NAS basket?
As soon as I can shovel an opening in my driveway I'll drag it out to take better pics.

The cage is an NAS110 cage, so it has the tabs for the ladder and basket. I'll end up designing a new basket for it though.

Next up is finishing the interior and installing the stereo, console, and speaker boxes.

[Rugbier]

Totally UN-GAYED



well except the driver *LMAO*

Looking awesome Jonathan

[cgalpin]

I dig the black on back. Nice work!

[TDI Guy]

If it was (Murdered Out), it would look a lot better... Don't ya think?

[Wolf Fabrication]

I've been making what seems like little progress. I got all the interior back in, front seats recovered, speaker and storage boxes installed, stereo in, new shocks and extended brake lines, steering stabilizer, hooked up the off road lights, and got the Equipe bumper installed. I still need to take off the bumper when I do the timing belt, so I am holding off installing the winch.

Still have tons of little things to do!

[KKilo23]

I've been making what seems like little progress. I got all the interior back in, front seats recovered, speaker and storage boxes installed, stereo in, new shocks and extended brake lines, steering stabilizer, hooked up the off road lights, and got the Equipe bumper installed. I still need to take off the bumper when I do the timing belt, so I am holding off installing the winch.

Still have tons of little things to do!Coming along nicely...

[draaronr]

I've been making what seems like little progress. I got all the interior back in, front seats recovered, speaker and storage boxes installed, stereo in, new shocks and extended brake lines, steering stabilizer, hooked up the off road lights, and got the Equipe bumper installed. I still need to take off the bumper when I do the timing belt, so I am holding off installing the winch.

Still have tons of little things to do! wow, it looks great.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Timing belt swap today. The old one looks nearly new, but changing it out will give me peace of mind. I thought the project would be much harder, but it's not too bad.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Finally getting things buttoned up. I finished the install of the timing belt. That was much easier than I thought it would be! With the front end apart I was able to fit the Disco fan shroud which nearly everyone said wouldn't fit, but it fits perfectly! Even the mounting holes line up and the fan is the proper distance inside the shroud.

With the timing belt done I was able to install the Equipe competition bumper and Superwinch 9.5i winch. The bumper required just a little trimming to fit the winch. The grill required some trimming since the competition bumper sits closer to the radiator, I also painted the grill to match the rest of the truck. Oh yeah, I put the proper Land Rover 110 decal on too!

Next, I finished the sliders by bending up some tree sliders/steps and welded 'em on and painted to match.

All the interior is finally done and all the seats match. You'll notice I mounted the speakers in the Tuffy console. I thought I'd give this a try, so I Dynamat'd the inside of it. I think the speakers sound much better than when they were in the doors.

[crown14]

whats the deal with that bubble gum on the sliders?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Too funny! The lighting and angle makes it look like bubble gum. I didn't clean up the welds at all.

Follow-up Post:

Here's that same weld from a different angle. It still looks weird in the dark light of my shop, but it's much better than the photo shows.

[crown14]

Jon are those the Equipe sliders for the 110? Also, what thickness are your nerfs, nice job on the bends BTW.

Follow-up Post:

Damn those rims cleaned up nice!!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Nope, they are the cheapo Mantecs. I used 1-1/2" .120 wall DOM tube for the tree sliders. The tube is just above the Jack holes so they are still functional. The rims are not the ones that came on the truck.

[Ren Ching]

this hinge is upside down (http://www.d-90.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=24053)

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yeah, I knew the skinny side goes up, but for some reason I put that one bottom on without noticing. I didn't realize it until went to install the other door this morning that I figured it out.

[bjf]

Does equippe make sliders for a 110?

[130Tdi]

Got the SD cage installed over the past few days. What a kick in the balls. The instructions for the kit SUCK! 4 pages with a few photos for a kit that contains literally 30 pieces and 300 pieces of hardware of all shapes and sizes. The installation leaves a lot to the imagination.Couldn't agree more. The one I did had no hardware or instructions and was slightly bent/used and didn't fit together well.

[crown14]

The rims are not the ones that came on the truck.Yeah I know, but arent they the ones I sold you?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yeah I know, but arent they the ones I sold you?

Probably. The people I got parts from all blur together!

[Rugbier]

Does equippe make sliders for a 110?
They do and if I am not mistaken, Justin has a set of them with nerf, nice looking ( I just can't stand the nerf on sliders ), but I think they call them Rock/Tree Slider

[Wolf Fabrication]

I just can't stand the nerf on sliders

I like them because it gives me a place to stand on the side of the truck and keeps the wife happy when trying to climb in the truck!

[Wolf Fabrication]

The light at the end of the tunnel!

Finally got everything buttoned up and finished.

1.I painted and installed the new front doors.
2. Installed new fenders and rear trim panels to replace the ones the previous owner chopped to fit oversize tires :angry
3. Installed some NAS flares (although chopped, they were free)
4. Installed a Painless dual battery kit with Optimas
5. Installed Blue Sea aux fuse block
6. Wired the winch with power cutoff switch under the hood
7. Bled the brakes
8. Built a rear ladder with ever-important Guinness bottle opener
9. Installed new VDO oil pressure and Temp gauges.

Now that "Project Frank" is complete his name is now officially Guiness

Next up: ARBs, HD axle shafts, HD tie rod and drag link, and front and rear skid plates. Also need to build a rack and rear bumper.

[KKilo23]

Looks great! Congrats on the work!

[evilfij]

Get some proper flares.

[Rugbier]

WOW.. looks great

[Wolf Fabrication]

Get some proper flares.

Someday - these ones were free. Why, you got some?

[michaels]

i like it with the cut flares. would look even better with none at all.

[Jpayne]

Dig the bottle opener on the ladder

[surf110]

Wow. What a difference. How did you get the snorkel to fit with the roll cage?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Wow. What a difference. How did you get the snorkel to fit with the roll cage?

No fitment issues with the snorkel at all. Since I bought new NAS fender skins I was able to put the snorkel in the right spot the clear the cage.

[evilfij]

I have some ones with like 4 layers of miitary paint.

[Stmpede]

Looking good Jonathan! Seeing yours is motivating me to finish mine finally. haha

[RiftRover]

Jonathan,
Did the hose that connects the air filter to the snorkel come with the snorkel? I have a disco 200 and I'm debating different air filter set-ups.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Jonathan,
Did the hose that connects the air filter to the snorkel come with the snorkel? I have a disco 200 and I'm debating different air filter set-ups.

I used an NAS V8 air filter and housing. Attaching the snorkel is as easy as cutting the air horn to fit the snorkel hose.

The used $20 Shop-Vac tubing I found at Lowe's.

[tebby]

That bumper looks awful!!! wanna sell to it me? got a factory winch bumper that would fit yours much better!!!! huh huh

[Wolf Fabrication]

That bumper looks awful!!! wanna sell to it me? got a factory winch bumper that would fit yours much better!!!! huh huh

Uh, no! Unless you got $2k. :)

[oilburner]

Dear Wolf,

(I am calling you wolf from now on because the intro on your website it too funny)

It looks like I am buying those flares from Phoenix37 for my bastard child. I'm looking at the pics and it looks like the flares would give me a few extra inches of possible wheel opening, based on the location of the bolt holes/rivet holes in the tub. What do you think? Did you get a good look at how much room they would give me if I cut the bodywork to follow the inner line of the flares?

Sorry for the hijack, looks great!

[junkyddog11]

still lewks ghey. :)

[Wolf Fabrication]

Dear Wolf,

(I am calling you wolf from now on because the intro on your website it too funny)

It looks like I am buying those flares from Phoenix37 for my bastard child. I'm looking at the pics and it looks like the flares would give me a few extra inches of possible wheel opening, based on the location of the bolt holes/rivet holes in the tub. What do you think? Did you get a good look at how much room they would give me if I cut the bodywork to follow the inner line of the flares?

Sorry for the hijack, looks great!

The previous owner trimmed about 2" all around on the front fenders, and about 2" on both sides of the rear openings. My truck had 35"s with no rubbing.

[waggoner5]

What year are is the rear seat arrangement out of? Is it anything special like custom seat mounts etc? I am looking for an arrangement like that for my project 110. Great job on the restomod.
Gary

[Wolf Fabrication]

Fabricated an integral receiver hitch today. I notched the rear crossmember and recessed the receiver tube. I welded 1/4" steel plate on the front as support. The rear of the tube has some angle welded to tube and that it bolted under the crossmember. The steel rods are for tow chains and a little lateral support.

I don't like the glossy paint on the crossmember - need to repaint in satin....

[Stmpede]

Looks good, but I agree with you on the paint. It just looks weird to me in anything but Satin Black.

[130Tdi]

why is there a fuel tank on the ground under your truck , access ?

[cgalpin]

why is there a fuel tank on the ground under your truck , access ?
I'm guessing because he was cutting/welding his rear cross member and it was in the way and is a hazard to work around.

[Wolf Fabrication]

why is there a fuel tank on the ground under your truck , access ?

Si mi amigo. Access to the back of the crossmember so I could weld. I also cleaned and painted everything, and cleaned the tank.

[cgalpin]

Wolf, what are your thoughts on recessing a receiver into the cross member completely (assume no tank or enough room to get a pin behind it). I want to put one on my trailer but am not keen on having it stick out. Stupid I know. I am not sure if I could use a "standard" pin depth or one close enough to not be a problem using it.

[Wolf Fabrication]

It's not hard, you would need longer stuff to go in the receiver tube as well.

[cgalpin]

Yeah that's my concern. If the pin depth is too much, then standard hitch pieces may not work. I really want it for my own attachments if say for example I get in a position where I'd need to pull it from the rear, so I guess as long as my stuf works I'll be ok

[Wolf Fabrication]

Standard stuff should be long enough, you just need to drill a new hole farther back.

Signing off, boarding a 14 hour flight to Dubai. Uggggh.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Took advantage of the snow day to take care of the little projects.

1. I got the Cobra 75 CB installed (anyone have an antenna tuner???). I found a nifty warning label on ebay to at least make the thieves laugh before they steal my antenna.

2. I installed a MUD UK dash pod for the EGT gauge and eventual ARB switches and boost gauge

3. Discovered that the axle breathers are the same thread as the ARB fittings, so I ran remote breathers to the snorkel.

[ajh]

Something you might want to do is either weld a guard onto the cage in the back that comes up and over the hi-lift (like a pinion guard) or cut it down so that it is below the height of the top of the roof in the back by a couple inches. I've seen photos of people who've been leaning over or just driving along and caught their carrier mounted hi-lift onto something less than flexible... not pretty.

[130Tdi]

I like the receiver in the cross member, just don't think it would be strong enough for the stuff I do like pulling a car trailer with a 110 on it or aggressive kinetic rope recoverys- the cross member itself can't (hasn't in my case) taken the full load there, the load needs to be tied back up the frame rail to spread the load further up the frame and keep the whole rear crossmember from twisting downward.

See signature line below....

[Wolf Fabrication]

I like the receiver in the cross member, just don't think it would be strong enough for the stuff I do like pulling a car trailer with a 110 on it or aggressive kinetic rope recoverys- the cross member itself can't (hasn't in my case) taken the full load there, the load needs to be tied back up the frame rail to spread the load further up the frame and keep the whole rear crossmember from twisting downward.

You are absolutely right. But, keep in mind all the pintle hooks and bolt on receivers that bolt directly to the crossmember. None of those spread the load.

I am designing and building some c-shackle swivels similar to the Equipe design that bolt through the large holes on either side of the cross member.

------ Follow up post added February 21st, 2010 06:26 PM ------

Something you might want to do is either weld a guard onto the cage in the back that comes up and over the hi-lift (like a pinion guard) or cut it down so that it is below the height of the top of the roof in the back by a couple inches.

You mean like this? (see below) Already done long ago.....

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the diesel gas can mount welded on today. It's attached directly to the tire carrier with some 1-1/4" .120 wall square tube. The can mount itself is removable.

[ipgregory]

I am designing and building some c-shackle swivels similar to the Equipe design that bolt through the large holes on either side of the cross member.

Be interested in seeing some pics of these when you're done, if they are what I am thinking. Looking to remove my rear step and considering options for rear recovery point(s).

Thanks

Ian

[crown14]

Where did you get that can?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Where did you get that can?

It's a "Briggs & Stratton" can I painted yellow. But it looks like a Sceptor.

[cgalpin]

1. I got the Cobra 75 CB installed (anyone have an antenna tuner???)

These guys will check/set you gear with an SWR meter for free.

http://www.google.com/search?q=manassass+auto+outfitters

[crown14]

It's a "Briggs & Stratton" can I painted yellow. But it looks like a Sceptor.

I thought you were trying to un gay it :):)

[130Tdi]

I thought you were trying to un gay it :):)

Scepter poser or is that posuer

[Wolf Fabrication]

Actually, I am completely wrong. It's a Wedco can I painted yellow. Briggs and Stratton sells the Wedco can under their name. See the attached pic from EE. You can get the Wedco can at your local Ace Hardware by the way.

[Ren Ching]

Actually its poseur. But yellow is the correct color for diesel cans be they scepter, wedco, or plastic hardware store non-jerry-can shaped things. I wouldn't have bothered but to each their own. I have three and they are black.

Scepter poser or is that posuer

[cgalpin]

Actually I have been wondering why you want to take a happy truck and make it un-happy anyway?

ROFL

[Wolf Fabrication]

You ever put diesel in a gas engine? Not pretty! I had a buddy get same color jerry cans mixed up on a trail ride in Moab and one of the guys put diesel in his Jeep. A tow ride home and $2k later everything was fixed. I'll stick with the proper can marking.

[Rugbier]

Or you could simply mark the Jerry Can with a decal oh lets say .. " DIESEL FUEL ONLY " around the neck, but that it is not applicable to GAY CARB Cans *LMAO*

[Wolf Fabrication]

Or you could simply mark the Jerry Can with a decal oh lets say .. " DIESEL FUEL ONLY " around the neck, but that it is not applicable to GAY CARB Cans *LMAO*


So why did you sell your red Wedco cans then? "LMAO"

F all of you. Don't you have anything better to do than haze me on a Friday?

[cgalpin]

Yeah I do, but it's still great fun to raz you. I'm putting in a half day of work and then going out to work on my trailer!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yeah I do, but it's still great fun to raz you. I'm putting in a half day of work and then going out to work on my trailer!

This from a guy who works in his basement.

[Rugbier]

So why did you sell your red Wedco cans then? "LMAO"

F all of you. Don't you have anything better to do than haze me on a Friday?


Now you are being hateful.... *LMAO*

[cgalpin]

Hey now. I quit smoking and upgraded to dual monitors. Still have that printer tho...

[Rugbier]

This from a guy who works in his basement.


LMAO

I see from that pic that Charles is trying to CAD a model in which will automatically go on LOW and have a sensor for LOCKERS :rolleyes

[Ren Ching]

Well, the only person putting fuel in my truck will be me. So I'm not worried. But like I said yellow is the correct color not really a poseur thing. Just more work then I'm inclined to do. I think I could have fixed that guy's jeep for less than 2 bills too. Shouldn't even be that far from civilization if you can't fix a simple problem like misfueling. Especially if it was only 5 gallons worth.

[130Tdi]

Most of my sceptor mfc's just have a yellow strap holding the cap. Otherwise the can is OD. Have two yellow cans but they are mighty bright.

------ Follow up post added February 26th, 2010 02:57 PM ------

You ever put diesel in a gas engine? Not pretty! I had a buddy get same color jerry cans mixed up on a trail ride in Moab and one of the guys put diesel in his Jeep. A tow ride home and $2k later everything was fixed. I'll stick with the proper can marking.

thats one of those social darwinism things

[o2batsea]

I have seen 2 occasions at a fuel dock when the first person pumped over thirty gallons into the rod holder before they realized what was happening. The second time was similar, but in this case it was gas being pumped into diesel tanks. One side was full and the other was just started when the owner came back to the boat from somewhere or other to find that his boat was getting the wrong kind of fuel. We were a boat back sitting in our sailboat's cockpit and heard the commotion. I seem to remember it was nearly 100 gallons of gas in the diesel tank.

[Ren Ching]

Now THAT is funny...


I have seen 2 occasions at a fuel dock when the first person pumped over thirty gallons into the rod holder .

[130Tdi]

I have seen 2 occasions at a fuel dock when the first person pumped over thirty gallons into the rod holder before they realized what was happening. The second time was similar, but in this case it was gas being pumped into diesel tanks. One side was full and the other was just started when the owner came back to the boat from somewhere or other to find that his boat was getting the wrong kind of fuel. We were a boat back sitting in our sailboat's cockpit and heard the commotion. I seem to remember it was nearly 100 gallons of gas in the diesel tank.


Eastern Shore ? No life guards watching the gene pool over on that side.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the normal NAS flares installed (to make evilfij happy) and finished the gauge install in the Mud pod. I didn't plan the layout very well as the tach was an afterthought - I had planned on more Carling switches.

So from left to right is the Boost, ARB switches, EGT, and then Tach.

[crown14]

Have two yellow cans but they are mighty bright.



Wanna sell them?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Wanna sell them?

Poseur wanna be:)

[o2batsea]

>Eastern Shore ? No life guards watching the gene pool over on that side.
You can say that again. Everybody from Harford County clogs the place up on the weekends. Anyway the incidents occurred at Spa Creek and Solomon's, respectively. It was back in the 80's.

[crown14]

Poseur wanna be:)


Nah, see my truck is yellow so I get a pass

[galen216]

>Eastern Shore ? No life guards watching the gene pool over on that side.
You can say that again. Everybody from Harford County clogs the place up on the weekends. Anyway the incidents occurred at Spa Creek and Solomon's, respectively. It was back in the 80's.

Ever see this on Solomon's? I would love to know some history on my truck.

[evilfij]

Got the normal NAS flares installed (to make evilfij happy) ....

:) lookin good wolf.

[aosias]

I like the Boulder signs on the garage! Truck is looking great too. These boys just don't understand a little black and gold, or in your case yellow :)

[130Tdi]

Wanna sell them?


no way dude find your own

[Wolf Fabrication]

Fabricated some custom front cross bars to match the stock NAS ones. I thought about putting the slight bend in them like the rear ones, but that would have been dumb and made them harder to install. Also used grade 8 bolts (not by choice) and some rubber washers behind metal washers to keep water out of the cage. I've thought about this design for a long time and this seemed to be the most cost-effective and easy way to install them. The other option was some clamps, but that would add about $100 to the cost. These are 1" tube with whizz nuts welded in the ends.



Also got the flooring installed. Up next is the installation of the some basket rails I fabricated that clamp on to the NAS SD cage!

[130Tdi]

Nicely done- get some of those black plastic snap on bolt head covers from Mud Uk and it will look like sd did it.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Finished the clamp on rack sides today. They give me roughly a 4'x6' cargo area up top. All four sides are removable, so I can add a tent, or remove the front and rear to carry my canoe or other long gear.

Also got the Equipe front skid mounted today and rebuilt the clutch master cylinder.

[cgalpin]

Neat idea!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Painted and installed some NAS110 window sides (thanks evilfij!!). They are so much better than my rusted original style sides.

ARBs are installed. This time I tried the Ren Ching compressor mounting location using the AC mount on the 200tdi. It's a perfect location and frees up some space under the seat where I would normally put it.

Not much left to do in the project. I have a new master cylinder coming and that will finish the project in the short term.

Future projects:

1. Complete brake system overhaul
2. Install new middle doors
3. Install 1.4 tcase
4. Install Salisbury rear axle with disc brakes and ARB.
5. Install alpine windows and sun roof.
6. Insulate top and install headliner

And in the way off future, a LHD conversion.

[KKilo23]

Painted and installed some NAS110 window sides (thanks evilfij!!). They are so much better than my rusted original style sides.

ARBs are installed. This time I tried the Ren Ching compressor mounting location using the AC mount on the 200tdi. It's a perfect location and frees up some space under the seat where I would normally put it.

Not much left to do in the project. I have a new master cylinder coming and that will finish the project in the short term.

Future projects:

1. Complete brake system overhaul
2. Install new middle doors
3. Install 1.4 tcase
4. Install Salisbury rear axle with disc brakes and ARB.
5. Install alpine windows and sun roof.
6. Insulate top and install headliner

And in the way off future, a LHD conversion.

Dam that was fast. Looks good.

[TDI Guy]

Nice... Have you tried to fill a tire with that ARB compressor? Wondering if its worth the extra $$ for the larger arb comp instead of the small compact one..

[Wolf Fabrication]

Nice... Have you tried to fill a tire with that ARB compressor? Wondering if its worth the extra $$ for the larger arb comp instead of the small compact one..

I have the HD ARB compressor. It takes about 3 minutes to go from 19psi to 35psi in each tire. I also have a 3 gallon air tank.

Here's a pic of the truck up in Canada wheelin last weekend. The truck performed awesome! I didn't drag the rear end on anything, but did get high-centered a couple times, part of the drawback of wheeling a 110. I plan on building a skid plate bellypan or belly sliders to help.

[KKilo23]

I have the HD ARB compressor. It takes about 3 minutes to go from 19psi to 35psi in each tire. I also have a 3 gallon air tank.

Here's a pic of the truck up in Canada wheelin last weekend. The truck performed awesome! I didn't drag the rear end on anything, but did get high-centered a couple times, part of the drawback of wheeling a 110. I plan on building a skid plate bellypan or belly sliders to help.

Looks like a good time, any more pictures?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Looks like a good time, any more pictures?

I did so much wheeling I was unable to get pics of my own truck. I am waiting for the rest of the group to pony up their pics. How's this one?

[KKilo23]

Nice. I look forward to seeing more!

[nathanwind]

Dude you've got to post some more pics of that wheeling trip to Canada...those other ones are great! Did you ever get the rest from the group you were with?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Dude you've got to post some more pics of that wheeling trip to Canada...those other ones are great! Did you ever get the rest from the group you were with?

Here are a few more. All my photos seem to absent of action as that is the only time I had to take pics. I got a few more pics from the group, but the real action shots are still in the hands of the few guys we brought along to actually take the good shots. The swamp photo is what we spent half a day trying to build a bridge to cross, only having to turn back. :(

[bjf]

cool photos. any pics of the blue sw with the tall winch. I want to see a close up

[cgalpin]

That's Dana's truck. The winch is a warn 8274

[Wolf Fabrication]

Dana (hammertime) has a sweet truck. That's a custom bumper that he mounted the 8274 to. He's not afraid to wheel the truck either. This year his wife brought a stock Disco and that thing kept up with the rest of us - It was amazing.

This is about as close up as I have.

[130Tdi]

that series truck with a swing out lift gate is different- never seen that before.

[Wolf Fabrication]

That Series is owned by a guy named John. Poor guy put the truck on it's side within 1/2 an hour of hitting the trail. To top that, he blew the rear main seal and eventually the motor. The truck did the entire trail and finally died a few miles after hitting pavement.

[don]

Sounds and looks like an epic trip. I'd love to do one of those long ass tours but the farthest I get is about VT.

Great to see that 110 on the trail after all the build photos. What's the list count at now? I always seem to add a bunch after trips.

------ Follow up post added May 16th, 2010 10:07 PM ------

cool photos. any pics of the blue sw with the tall winch. I want to see a close up

I have this side pic of Dana and his rig over a spine @ Rausch. Not sure if it helps or not.

http://bankbikes.com/D90/Rovers_At_Rausch/Dana_Spine_01.jpg

Like Wolf said, Dana has a real nice truck and can drive the hell out of it.

[bjf]

that is a cool winch. Will it work in any bumper?

[Wolf Fabrication]

that is a cool winch. Will it work in any bumper?

Most winches mount to the bottom of bumpers, but the 8274 is a front mount winch so that limits your mounting options on many common bumpers.

------ Follow up post added May 17th, 2010 05:53 AM ------


Great to see that 110 on the trail after all the build photos. What's the list count at now? I always seem to add a bunch after trips.

Not sure what you mean. Total cost?

[airbornrover]

why the switch over to LHD?

[don]

Not sure what you mean. Total cost?

Nope - like mental list of new mods to do.

For example going out last time with Ron and seeing his Rockware bumper and his slick custom tire rack I soon wasn't too stoked on my ARB or my stock rear bumper. That and again seeing what lockers can do so I started immediately getting pieces for a new rear axle. And then there is more storage capacity with crap bouncing around...

Your truck is dialed and you come up with some good mods so I was just curious what the next steps were.

[Wolf Fabrication]

why the switch over to LHD?

LHD is a long term project, more to keep the wife happy. She cant stand being on the left side (passenger side) with oncoming traffic!

------ Follow up post added May 17th, 2010 11:18 AM ------

Nope - like mental list of new mods to do.

For example going out last time with Ron and seeing his Rockware bumper and his slick custom tire rack I soon wasn't too stoked on my ARB or my stock rear bumper. That and again seeing what lockers can do so I started immediately getting pieces for a new rear axle. And then there is more storage capacity with crap bouncing around...

Your truck is dialed and you come up with some good mods so I was just curious what the next steps were.

Ahhh got it. I learned from my D90, so you are right, I did my 110 based on what I liked and disliked.

1. I am going to move the lights on the roll cage back and mount them to the front of the basket with a protective cage aorund them. I bashed them up a lot on this trip.

2. Need to build a belly skid pan or rails. I got high centered a few times and dragged the parking brake drum. Also need to shave the rear trailing arm ears where they hang below the frame.

3. Need to fabricate a better mount to stabilize the transfer case from bouncing side to side (I have nothing)

4. Need to move the CB antenna to the roof for better reception

5. I wish I never sold my Badger seat covers - I need some waterproof seat protection!

6. Tackle the suspension to get better articulation

Other than the minor items above, the truck performed great. I didn't drag the rear end or even touch the rock sliders. :(

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got item #1 fixed: I moved the lights to the roof rack. I think this makes the truck not only look better, but also gets the lights out of the way of the trees. At least this way the tree limbs can whack the lights, but the lights can't go anywhere. I had planned on building a small protective cage for the lights, but I think that is overkill at this point.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I turned my attention to my lack of side stabilization brackets on the transmission/tcase. This caused a real headache whilst off road as my drivetrain bounced side to side. I thought about trying to source some stock LR brackets, but since I have a Disco TDI installed by a Brit Bubba I figure they most likely wouldn't work.

My solution was to fab up a bracket using a leaf spring poly bushing I had laying around and some 1/4" plate 1 1/4" square stock. This is a more rigid mount so I feel the vibs of the engine whilst it idles, but nothing whilst driving.

[EWR]

So, what I'm seeing is your rubber mount directly above your exhaust?.... I believe I would have fashioned the mount differently, however I'm sure you were preoccupied with using the word "whilst".....

------ Follow up post added May 22nd, 2010 06:05 PM ------


Are you English?;)

[Wolf Fabrication]

So, what I'm seeing is your rubber mount directly above your exhaust?.... I believe I would have fashioned the mount differently, however I'm sure you were preoccupied with using the word "whilst".....

------ Follow up post added May 22nd, 2010 06:05 PM ------


Are you English?;)

I work for a Brit company, so I make fun of them all day because they say whilst and ssshedual (schedule) a lot.

The mount is poly and is encased in a steel sleeve with more than adequate distance from the exhaust. That bushing would have to see about 800-1000 degrees of direct flame to melt (like using a torch to melt out bushings). My truck would have to be on fire for that to happen, but thank you for your keen (another Brit word) observation.

[EWR]

That's cool. I didn't mean that your bushing would melt, not at all. I was asking if it were rubber because over time the heat would start to break down the bushing and it would then be "N.F.G" ( USA terminology.)

[Rugbier]

And you two need to get a FR ( F@#king room ) Universal Terminology :)

[EWR]

And you two need to get a FR ( F@#king room ) Universal Terminology :)

:talker:boring...........:finger

[Wolf Fabrication]

I've been trying to figure out the best place to mount my sand ladders. I settled upon mounting them to the cage right in front of the roof basket. This location is out of the way and I was never really a fan of flashy aluminum on the sides of my truck. I even painted them black so they don't stand out too much. I'm still not sold on the location, but it seemed like a logical place to put them

Whaddyathink?

[rijosho]

Pretty cool. Sort of looks like a front fairing.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Uhoh, now we are getting back into a Fast and Furious truck! Let's not call it a faring. :)

[rlynch356]

looks like it adds 5 HP with the Fairing up there your other sticker up there adds at least 2 more !!

:)

You need a Type R Badge on the Fairings (um i mean sand ladders)

[Wolf Fabrication]

I'm thinking of changing out all the LR badges for Honda badges.

[rlynch356]

JDM Element Type R

;) sick

[cgalpin]

Make an adjustable bracket on the rear so you can angle it up when you don't need the lights, and you'll get an extra mpg. LOL.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yeah, but the "wing" has "speed holes."

[woldd90]

Jonathan, great looking truck, but I am going to vote no on the sand ladders... If you were going somewhere, where you may need them, by all means, mount them. But, to drive around town all the time...too poser-ish.

How about mounting them flat in the basket, they you get the best of both worlds... a floor and function.

[Wolf Fabrication]

No, no, no! These are not mounted full time, only when I wheel! This is just showing where I plan on putting them. They can't go in the basket as I have too much gear up there to try and dig them out from underneath.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the alpine windows installed today. The glass was free (thanks Dave Lucas!), and just had the cost of the seal (RDS) and the install tool (Lisle). I used an air nibbler to cut the hole and a die grinder to smooth out the rough edges.

I'm thinking about installing alpine windows in the rear section too.:hmm

[TDI Guy]

whats that tool look like?

[Wolf Fabrication]

The tool makes is much easier. I can't believe I have been using two flat head screwdrivers and lots of cuss words for years until I got the tool.

[TDI Guy]

cool... you have a link to that sucker

[rover26c]

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=285&division=1&category=12

cool... you have a link to that sucker

[evilfij]

Did you buy it online? I hate to pay $10 to ship a $15 tool.

[Rugbier]

Ron,

get a local mechanic friend to get it from Snap On, got mine for 22.00

[130Tdi]

I had two Annapolis glass shops tell me they couldn't get the locking strip in unless I took the cage off first-neither would even try. Punks

[Wolf Fabrication]

I had two Annapolis glass shops tell me they couldn't get the locking strip in unless I took the cage off first-neither would even try. Punks

They are just lazy. It was a little hard to get the tool under the cage and on one side I had to use screw drivers under that portion, but it's not impossible. I cut the holes in the top and installed two windows in just under three hours.

[Wolf Fabrication]

The next project on my list was to design and fabricate some frame sliders. I've learned the LR frames are pretty thin and vulnerable, especially in the middle area that seems to get high centered a lot. My design was simple: 2"x2" 1/8" thick angle iron clamped to the sides of the frame (notched to fit around obstructions), and then 1/8" plate welded to the bottom. This gives the bottom side a thickness of 1/4" but keeps the sides thin. The sliders were bent to fit the curve of the frame and bolted on with grade 8 hardware.

I am still trying to figure a way to build a small skid plate for the e-brake drum.

[airbornrover]

There was a write up done on the CROC website a couple of years ago i believe with a lightweight being the vehicle. Also seen pics of skidplates for series on either TNTLR orrrrr one of the comp/safari builder websites in the UK. Sorry for the vagueness.:)

[Wolf Fabrication]

Thanks, I think. :)

[Rugbier]

Neat .. I like

[cgalpin]

I like it. But besides preventing damage to the frame rails, isn't one of the ideas behind the frame sliders to also smooth out the transition to the suspension ears? That's the place you are most likely to get hung up on.

Oh, how much did they end up weighing?

[Wolf Fabrication]

You are correct. On my truck I was more concerned with the soft frame and less with the rear link ears. I don't mind dragging those and mine have developed a "natural" curve. Expanding the frame sliders to cover the ears is the next project however.

I didn't weigh them, but they are likely about 10lbs each.

[don]

Looks solid. I'd be interested in seeing how the next set looks as my ears got a little 'adjustment' last time out.

Man - I need to get a welder. My buddy can TIG like a wizard but just being able to make stuff out in the garage would be the treats.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Next up, shifting the angle of the Equipe front skid plate. I have the Equipe competition front bumper with steeper approach angle and a tighter fit, but was only able to get the regular Equipe front skid plate (I was told Equipe does not make a competition skid?!). As you can see in the first pic, the front skid left a huge hole in front of the bumper and looks awkward, so my solution was to cut the mounting brackets down and re-weld them.

I cut about 1" out of the front of the brackets and a pie shape out of the rear of the brackets and bent them up about 1". I ground off the zinc coating and re-welded. The welds were covered in gold spray paint and clear coat to make a close match to the zinc coating.

It looks a little better now...

[Ren Ching]

Don

Rockware makes them for the 90's.



Looks solid. I'd be interested in seeing how the next set looks as my ears got a little 'adjustment' last time out.

Man - I need to get a welder. My buddy can TIG like a wizard but just being able to make stuff out in the garage would be the treats.

[don]

Thanks Ren - I'll give them a look at.

[Wolf Fabrication]

The next item up for modification was the crossmember. It seems like the stock crossmember always ends up being an anchor and my e-brake drum likes to drag on the rocks. My solution was to raise the rear end of the drivetrain up (I noticed my motor leaned back about 5 degrees) by building a new crossmember.

My "stock" crossmember was actually welded in by the a$$hole that did my drivetrain swap, so I spent quite a while cutting it out and grinding the mounting plates flat (I kept the mounting plates welded to the frame and just cut out the crossmember). Next, I built a crossmember out of two sticks of 2" DOM tube with a chunk of 1/4" angle iron welded to the leading edge. Why did I use 2" tube? I didn't have any square tube!

I tossed the stock LR tranny mount in favor of an Energy Suspension GM tranny mount. Switching mounts saved me 2" already, and the new crossmember shaved off about 2". Overall I raised up the e-brake drum about 2", and I can still raise it up another 1" with a spacer to get it level with the frame - at that point the fan hits the shroud. I'll see how this works out and if I still drag on stuff.

[EWR]

Looks good man! It's nice seeing mods done to actually enhance off road prowess, instead on "bolt on " stuff.

Maybe I missed it, but have you done anything to protect your tie rod?

Dig the frame sliders, you're right about the frames being thin,.... found that out this weekend in my D2.:(

[cgalpin]

Looks good.

[LFORGUE8]

are the engine mounts twisted in any way? just thinking out loud but did you loosen the nuts on the engine mounts before the new crossmember?

[Ren Ching]

J

I have to look at mine again but the 'after' pic looks about where the factory puts it. The center mounted transmission mount you had was NOT a land rover part in any way shape or form, land rover never used a center mount like that, rather, always went with two mounts, one each side. I don't know WTF that thing was, though I seem to recall seeing something similar looking advertised for an american car of some kind. Also can't recall exactly but that x-member looked made up as well.

So just to be clear, this is not really an 'improvement over factory' so much as an 'improvement over massive SPOT (Stupid Previous Owner Trick)


It seems like the stock crossmember always ends up being an anchor

My "stock" crossmember was actually welded in by the a$$hole that did my drivetrain swap,

I tossed the stock LR tranny mount in favor of an Energy Suspension GM tranny mount.

[Wolf Fabrication]

J

I have to look at mine again but the 'after' pic looks about where the factory puts it. The center mounted transmission mount you had was NOT a land rover part in any way shape or form, land rover never used a center mount like that, rather, always went with two mounts, one each side. I don't know WTF that thing was, though I seem to recall seeing something similar looking advertised for an american car of some kind. Also can't recall exactly but that x-member looked made up as well.

So just to be clear, this is not really an 'improvement over factory' so much as an 'improvement over massive SPOT (Stupid Previous Owner Trick)

I'd be interested to see if you are correct. The "stock" mount fits correctly and you can see where the bolts holes were for the correct placement of crossmember. The PO simply moved it forward and lowered it about an inch or so to accomodate the Disco 200tdi. I think the "stock" crossmember may have come from the donor Disco as it had the correct tabs for the tranny mount, and the tranny mount itself matched up. It's definetely a LR part, maybe just not 90/110. Either way, things are good now.

[Ren Ching]

Holy crap, I was wrong! What the hell is the world coming to?!?!? :confused

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Land-Rover-Discovery-Gearbox-Mount-/300434962461

Well, glad you found something better. :eek:



the donor Disco as it had the correct tabs for the tranny mount, and the tranny mount itself matched up. It's definetely a LR part, maybe just not 90/110. Either way, things are good now.

[Wolf Fabrication]

That Disco tranny mount is GARBAGE! It has so much free play built into it, presumably to make the Disco ride more cushy. Doug is supposed to have some of the correct side mounts for me at some point.

Next project, a sunroof!

[130Tdi]

That Disco tranny mount is GARBAGE! It has so much free play built into it, presumably to make the Disco ride more cushy. Doug is supposed to have some of the correct side mounts for me at some point.

Next project, a sunroof!

carefull- say that on Discoweb and 140 posts of 4 letter words will follow

[rijosho]

Next project, a sunroof!


How many more projects are left?

The last thing you want to do is turn this into "The Re-Gaying of a Defender 110."

[Wolf Fabrication]

How many more projects are left?

The last thing you want to do is turn this into "The Re-Gaying of a Defender 110."

LOL! It's a LR, the projects will never end!

[evilfij]

You buy the sunroof RDS is selling?

[Wolf Fabrication]

You buy the sunroof RDS is selling?

Nope. Never saw his, but I assume it's around $400 like the rest of the LR sun roofs. I got mine from The Sunroof Doctor and it was $180 shipped. It's two position, tinted, with removable glass.

[dave_lucas]

$150 for the military sunroof, it is kind of cool since it is metal.

http://www.roversdownsouth.com/defender.htm

[Wolf Fabrication]

$150 for the military sunroof, it is kind of cool since it is metal.

http://www.roversdownsouth.com/defender.htm

Saw that one. It's not really a "sun roof" if you can't see through it!

[dave_lucas]

I guess that is what I like about it, no sun beating down on you while driving but you can still open it up and get some air flow.

And no glass to break

Never been much of a sun roof guy, kind of hard to maintain reputation in the Goth community with a sun tan :cool:

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the sunroof installed this past week. I got it from The Sunroof Doctor at it was $190 delivered. Sunroof size is 17"x32" and I am very please with the quality. Installation was pretty straightforward. When I cut the center roof support I left enough material to "bend back" and close the exposed ends. The glass is 90% tint, opens in two positions, and is also removable.

The last major project in the immediate future is a Salisbury rear axle with ARB install this week. No disc brake conversion just yet, although I have all the parts minus the caliper brackets. I also picked up a killer Dana 60 HD rear cover.

[130Tdi]

The last major project in the immediate future is a Salisbury rear axle with ARB install this week. No disc brake conversion just yet, although I have all the parts minus the caliper brackets. I also picked up a killer Dana 60 HD rear cover.

you work quick. doesn't look anything like what I dropped off Wed night.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Yeah, it's completely stripped and painted, got new bearings, brakes, ARB, and diff cover coming. I hope to have it swapped in by next weekend. I need that A-arm bracket ASAP though!

[Ren Ching]

The last major project in the immediate future is a Salisbury rear axle with ARB install this week.

Don't most 110 rear axles have shocks that both point toward the front of the vehicle? it looks like this one has one going forward and one going back just like the RR/Disco axle you removed. Just curious.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I think early ones point in opposite directions. Either way, it doesn't matter.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Holy crap, what a kick in the balls. I got the ARB installed and the Salisbury mounted and the Rover is back on it's wheels. I was happy to find out my driveshaft still worked. The axle got all new parts, including a trick HD diff cover.

Still need to hook up and bleed the brakes, install the shocks, and I am ready to roll.

Next project: Install Terrafirma big bore +2" shocks and Terrafirma front shock towers, and a front big brake upgrade.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got the front end buttoned up today with new slotted and drilled rotors, brake pads, Terrafirma shock towers and Terrafirma Big Bore +2" shocks, and retainers on the bottom.

[rijosho]

What rotors are those?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Allmakes.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Got my hands on some BFG Mud T/As in 315/75 mounted on Wolf steelies. They fit - barely, but I think another 2" of lift to properly clear them. I am trying to work a deal to score the set from a customer of mine, fingers crossed!

[rijosho]

Damn those look nice.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I know, that's why I NEED them and am trying to pry them away from the guy that owns them!

[michaels]

trim the flares.

[Wolf Fabrication]

trim the flares.

Um, no.

[cgalpin]

LOL. I believe he just swapped out trimmed flares for these.

So I'm confused. Didn't this truck have 35s when you got it?

[Wolf Fabrication]

LOL. I believe he just swapped out trimmed flares for these.

So I'm confused. Didn't this truck have 35s when you got it?


:angry YES!!! I am just test fitting the tires. Leave me alone.:)

[bjf]

side question - did you use the rubber feet on your cage? I never could get them on to not look terrible

[Wolf Fabrication]

I did use the rubber feet and they look fine.

[130Tdi]

with all new trick brakes can you lock it up with the 33's ?

[Wolf Fabrication]

with all new trick brakes can you lock it up with the 33's ?

Nope! I still have some air in the lines somewhere. I have squishy pedal and and it takes one pump to get firm. I've double-checked the rear shoes so I think I just need a good bleed (that's what she said). My goal is to get them to lock.

[bjf]

I did use the rubber feet and they look fine.
they squished out for me. drove me nuts

[Lucasd2002]

I thought you were selling this truck to get a minivan.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I thought you were selling this truck to get a minivan.

I am, but I am keeping the tires to mount on the minivan.

[Rugbier]

He already bought the Diesel Van

Here is a pic of the delivery

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/115937/VDay-Movie-Alba-Grace-i02.jpg

:grin

[Ren Ching]

ouch. sure is purty!



He already bought the Diesel Van

Here is a pic of the delivery

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/115937/VDay-Movie-Alba-Grace-i02.jpg

:grin

[Wolf Fabrication]

F all of you!

[sonoronos]

Good looking build!

Very clean.

[Wolf Fabrication]

My right rear door was held together by bondo and paint. The bottom of the frame is completely gone and there is some serious rot on the upper frame (see pics). So before spending $600 on a new door frame I decided to make an attempt at repairing the door.

First, I cut out the rotten areas on the bottom of the door, careful to peel apart the skin. Then using some of the old rusted chunks I bent up and fabricated some new lower and side channels, epoxy primered them inside and out, and welded them to the existing good hunks of metal. They were also glued in with panel adhesive.

So far I have the bottom of the door done, next I will do the upper frame rot. More pics to follow.....

[MUDSUX]

Thanks for the pictures Jonathan. I am comtemplating doing this myself. I see you did the welding with the skin on? Was it easy to peel the skin back? Did you use heat to bend the skin to avoid cold/stress hardening? Any advice after doing it yourself? Thanks

[Wolf Fabrication]

I did it with the skin on as I only needed to replace a few sections of channel and to ensure the door kept it's proper shape. The aluminum skin is pretty thin so I didn't use any heat - it was also very easy to pry away from the steel channel. Just take your time. No real advice, but it does suck doing it. Then again, it saved me $600. Now, of course this is only a temporary solution and should last at least 5-10 years minimum as long as I occasionally pull the door cards to check for new rot. The best way is to galvanize the frames and re-skin.

I'm still only half way through the project, so my opinion could change!

[Wolf Fabrication]

Wow, I wouldn't wish this project on anyone, it sucked! The more I poked around the more rust I found. The upper horizontal brace was pretty bad, so I fabricated a new one, epoxied inside an out, and glued and welded in place. Then I cut out the cancer on the rear vertical channel and bent up a replacement piece.

I stripped off the old Bondo at the bottom of the door and worked it smooth.

The door feels a lot more solid now and is good as new.

[Wolf Fabrication]

I started the last of the real shitty projects this weekend - rebuilding the Disco 1.2 t-case with 1.4 gears. Running 35" tires made the truck a little sluggish off the line so I am hoping this works before I move on to swapping R&Ps.

The rebuild is pretty straight forward. Special thanks to Doug Crowther for posting the LT230 rebuild manual on his website. It's invaluable for the rebuild.

Dropping the t-case was actually the shittiest part and mine was held on by 25 years of grease and corrosion. First, I removed the intermediate shaft and dropped the 1.2 intermediate gear. Then, per the manual, I removed the front output to get access to the high range gear at the back of the case. Getting to that gear was as simple as unstaking the retaining nut and swapping on the new gear. After reassembling, I installed new bearings and races in the 1.4 intermediate gear with a new crush sleeve and installed the intermediate shaft with new o-rings and lock nut. The nut gets torqued until end-play in the intermediate gear is gone.

Simple as that. The t-case is sitting on the garage floor waiting for a buddy to come help lift it into place tomorrow. I took random pics along the way. It was hard to do a step-by-step photo shoot with greasy hands.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Wow, what a difference in drivability! The 1.4s are awesome. The truck is no longer sluggish off the line. Guess that's why Defenders had 1.4 gears in the first place.:rolleyes

[cgalpin]

Well done. Now let's see pictures of it on 35's.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Well done. Now let's see pictures of it on 35's. Here ya go

[cgalpin]

Looks good

[don]

Here ya go

Rig looks beastie with the 35's on Wolfs and all blacked out.

Those are KM2's right? How are you liking them? And how do they fit in the wheelwells - do they stick out any?

[Wolf Fabrication]

Rig looks beastie with the 35's on Wolfs and all blacked out.

Those are KM2's right? How are you liking them? And how do they fit in the wheelwells - do they stick out any?

I love the KM2s and they fit perfectly after some adjustment to tire stops.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Coming to the end of the project (yeah, right). Installed a MudUK rear door panel, Terrafirma caster corrected radius arms with new bushes, KAM HD rear shafts, and HD drive flanges at all 4 corners. Also finished the auxillary air tank install using a 4 gallon stainless tank.

[130Tdi]

Coming to the end of the project (yeah, right). Installed a MudUK rear door panel, Terrafirma caster corrected radius arms with new bushes, KAM HD rear shafts, and HD drive flanges at all 4 corners. Also finished the auxillary air tank install using a 4 gallon stainless tank.

So now are you going to use it ?

[Wolf Fabrication]

So now are you going to use it ?

The truck or the air tank? :)

Air tank is for small stuff like tires and air mattreses, and big stuff like Gustavos blow up doll. I've got a nice low CFM air ratchet and drill I use too.

[EWR]

So now are you going to use it ?

Probably not. Anyone who runs a 35" tire and posts a pic of it on pavement, will only be using it to go get ice cream....:)

[130Tdi]

the truck or the air tank? :)

air tank is for small stuff like tires and air mattreses, and big stuff like gustavos blow up doll. I've got a nice low cfm air ratchet and drill i use too.


the whole damn thing !

.

[Wolf Fabrication]

the whole damn thing !

.

Ah, now I understad your question. It will primarily be used for curb crawling, grocery getting, and occasional Starbucks runs. It will continue to suck the $$ out of my wallet, and I'll eventually sell it at a $5k minimum loss. I'll probably trailer it to all the MARs and then splash mud on to make it look like I wheeled it too. :) If you want to know what I really do with it, buy the Lucky8 Easter Expo 2010 DVD at MAR.

[EWR]

If you want to know what I really do with it, buy the Lucky8 Easter Expo 2010 DVD at MAR.[/QUOTE]


Yeah, there are some talented folks out there who know how to use photoshop rather well.....:eek::):):):):):):)

[130Tdi]

[QUOTE=Wolf Fabrication;242643]If you want to know what I really do with it, buy the Lucky8 Easter Expo 2010 DVD at MAR.[/QUOTE

know you used it once since you have had it. meant going forward since its finished

[Wolf Fabrication]

I've actually had it out 4 or five times. I wheeled it in CO and Moab in June, did some GWNF trails in July, and Canada last April. I plan on just enjoying it and bouncing between MAR, Uwaharrie, and RC.

[jefhuf]

Coming to the end of the project (yeah, right). Installed a MudUK rear door panel, Terrafirma caster corrected radius arms with new bushes, KAM HD rear shafts, and HD drive flanges at all 4 corners. Also finished the auxillary air tank install using a 4 gallon stainless tank.

What are the dimensions of that tank? Does it hang down and need protection? Curious because I had a fun time getting my 2.5 gallon tucked up tight...

[Ren Ching]

You took it to Moab?? What trails did you do? Were you happy with its performance? Any photos to share? Surprised you haven't mentioned that at all until now. I'm bummed to not be going to Moab this fall for the National. Guessing you trailered it out there?

[Wolf Fabrication]

You took it to Moab?? What trails did you do? Were you happy with its performance? Any photos to share? Surprised you haven't mentioned that at all until now. I'm bummed to not be going to Moab this fall for the National. Guessing you trailered it out there?

Went with a buddy's CO Jeep club for a long weekend and did Chicken Corners, Elephant Hill, Copper Ridge, Crystal Geyser, Seven Mile Rim, and Dome Plateau IIRC. Mostly 2 and 3 level trails, nothing crazy. Also did some camping and mountain biking. Definitely had to trailer it - that's a long drive!

[Wolf Fabrication]

What are the dimensions of that tank? Does it hang down and need protection? Curious because I had a fun time getting my 2.5 gallon tucked up tight...
Remember I have a 110, so more space underneath. Mine tucks nicely lengthwise under the truck between the exhaust and driveshaft. The tank is roughly 30" long and 10" in diameter.

[Wolf Fabrication]

Spent the better part of two days fabricating some rear corner protectors. I agonized for a long time over the design, but in the end decided to use a design similar to the Equipe ones. I used 2" DOM .25 wall tube and 1/4" steel plate. The frame outriggers are 1-1/2" DOM .165 wall tube. I welded a tube to the frame and the outrigger slides in to it.

The protectors follow the body lines and include a jack point and a mount for my rear air line.